October 9-12, 2018 • Salt Lake City, UT

26th SPN Annual Meeting

Registration for this event is now open. Early Bird rates end on August 1, 2018.

State Solutions. National Impact.

State Policy Network’s Annual Meeting is the premier gathering of organizations and people dedicated to promoting state policy solutions that strengthen communities and improve the lives of Americans.

Each year, 1,300 attendees representing state-based and state focused organizations from all 50 states gather to be inspired, discover and develop new strategies to replace failed government policies, and network. State Policy Network hosts this meeting to strengthen the state-focused network by:

Inspiring attendees to go further—whether that be improving the operations of their organization or advancing policy change through effective leadership, education, outreach, and communications.

Providing an environment where policy ideas can be shared, tested, and sharpened so that state solutions that improve the lives of individuals and families can have national impact

Connecting attendees with peers, mentors, philanthropic partners, and experts who can help them to grow and achieve personally and professionally

Why should you go to the SPN Annual Meeting?

SPN’s Annual Meeting is the gathering place for people who are serious about winning the battle of ideas for this generation and the generations to come. You’ll have access to the wisdom of 1,300 people: policy and professional specialists from 325+ organizations, top-notch speakers, and many industry experts, too. You can also build or join smaller groups of like-minded freedom-lovers to refine your strategies, increase knowledge, and recharge your battery.

Last, but certainly not least, we celebrate victories and have a little fun! Annual Meeting is the place to be for happy warriors determined to advance freedom in the states.

Mark Your Calendar

Please note: This is a private event governed by rules available here. SPN reserves the right to refuse registration and entrance.

Host Think Tanks

State Policy Network warmly thanks Sutherland Institute and Libertas Institute for serving as the gracious state think tank hosts for the SPN 26th Annual Meeting.

Sutherland Institute

The Sutherland Dream is that we will promote principled patterns for governing and implement public policies that will be the envy of, and set a standard for, the nation. Sutherland Institute is pursuing the path to “A New Birth of Freedom” for America through a free-market economy, civil society, and community-driven solutions.

Recent Successes

Sutherland Institute played an important role in the Trump administration’s decision to downsize the Bears Ears National Monument and helped facilitate aspects of President Trump’s visit to Utah. This executive decision (creating two smaller national monuments in Utah) came after a highly successful Sutherland campaign centered on Bears Ears (one video reached more than 4 million people).

Sutherland Institute guided the passage of state legislation eliminating regulatory obstacles to the conduct and expansion of The Other Side Academy, a residential vocational and life-skills program. Without burdening taxpayers, the program equips ex-felons for productive citizenship by earning its revenue in the free market.

Sutherland Institute produced research on the nationwide impacts of the child tax credit, which was distributed at a Republican US Senate lunch and which played an important role in the expansion of the child tax credit in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Learn More

Host Event

Join Sutherland Institute for an evening adventure to discover Utah’s four seasons, Olympic heritage, and outdoor recreation. Meet Utah Olympians and watch the Flying Aces. Check out Utah’s scenic diversity from red rocks to salt flats, and experience our rich motion picture history. Prepare to be surprised! We look forward to sharing Utah’s fine dining experience with drinks from local breweries and wineries, and the best food from Utah’s agricultural industry.

When: Wednesday, October 10Where: Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah

Libertas Institute

Libertas Institute envision a legal system that protects each person’s pursuit of happiness not just in word, but in deed. A society governed by such a system will embrace personal responsibility, use persuasion rather than force to achieve important goals, and understand the importance of free markets, property rights, personal freedom, justice and due process, and a limited and open government. Libertas clears the path of opportunity for each Utahn by removing obstacles that limit freedom.

Recent Successes

Libertas Institute has been at the forefront of the fight for freedom in Utah, and boasts an 82% success rate for the policies it proposes becoming enacted into law. Past reforms include reforming civil asset forfeiture, protecting parental rights, defending property rights, and passing several first-in-the-nation laws on issues such as “legalizing lemonade stands” and deregulating the food truck industry.

In the past year alone, Libertas has achieved the following policy goals:

Libertas received national attention for its effort to protect so-called “free range parenting” from overeager police officers and child service workers. Parents in Utah can now allow their children to walk to school, play at the park, and engage in other independent activity without worrying about being charged with neglect.

Police quotas are now banned in Utah, enabling police officers to focus on serving justice rather than feeling pressured to write tickets and make arrests.

Direct sale of unregulated food from home chefs and farmers is now allowed, reducing the regulatory burden on small food producers looking to transact with customers. Utah joins only a handful of other states that protect this micro-enterprise from unnecessary regulations.

Responding to a popular John Oliver segment that highlighted the ability of local governments to impose never-ending fees and interest on low-level fines, we offered legislation to restrict this practice in Utah. Now, late fees and interest are limited to a maximum of 25% of the cost of the underlying fine imposed. It is believed that this is the first state law creating this type of limit.

Libertas offered legislation that would allow all Utah defendants of low-level offenses to perform community service at any nonprofit institution instead of getting stuck in a cycle of debt and criminal consequences. Work performed is credited at $10/hour, and now individuals can escape the financial burden of fines by improving the community around them.

Learn More

Registration & Attendance Policies

Attendance Eligibility

All board members, executives, and staff at current SPN state think tank affiliates and associate members are invited to attend SPN’s Annual Meeting. Go here to see specific membership criteria.

General attendees are also welcome, but they must provide a reference and pass SPN’s review process in order to register.

Registration Rates

Ticket Type

Early Bird Rate

Full Rate

State Think Tank Affiliate Members

Special membership rate

Special membership rate

SPN Associate Members

Special membership rate

Special membership rate

General Registration

$1,000

$1,300

One-Day Pass (Tuesday)

$150

$150

One-Day Pass (Wednesday or Thursday)

$500

$500

One-Day Pass (Friday)

$100

$100

Onsite Registration

N/A

Full rate plus $50 fee

Review Policy

The SPN Annual Meeting is a privately held event and acceptance of registration is pending verification of eligibility. This review policy ensures registrants have selected the most appropriate ticket option. All registrations will receive notification of registration status within three (3) business days. Payment will not be processed until registration is accepted.

After the review window, accepted registrants will receive an email with a confirmation number.

Refunds & Cancellations

Affiliates
Affiliate registrations are eligible for full refunds or transfers to members within the same organization until September 3, 2018, at 5:00 pm EDT.

Associates
Associate registrations are eligible for a full refund less a $100 cancellation fee until September 3, 2018, at 5:00 pm EDT. No refunds will be fulfilled after this deadline. Refunds will only be issued to the original registrant or credit card holder. Associate registrations may be transferred to individuals in the same organization as the original registrant.

General Attendees
Refunds will be issued until September 3, 2018, at 5:00 pm EDT, less a $100 cancellation fee. General attendee registrations are not eligible for transfer.

Terms and Conditions of Attendance at SPN’s Annual Meeting

Your attendance at SPN’s Annual Meeting indicates your agreement to the following terms and conditions. All event attendees must register in advance of admission. A valid photo ID is required for registration and admission.

Decorum

This event is held for the benefit of our think tank affiliates and associates in the state-based policy community. Anyone who attempts to attend this event without properly registering will be removed. SPN further reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to physically remove from the premises any person, regardless of registration status, who in our judgment threatens to disrupt, inhibit, or undermine the quality of this event or the activities of our guests. This policy also applies to anyone who is responsible for bringing another person to the event. “Premises” shall be defined by SPN in consultation with venue management and local law enforcement.

Additional conditions of attendee conduct may apply pursuant to SPN’s agreement with the owner of the event venue as well as local law enforcement. Any person who is removed may be subject to arrest or detention by law enforcement for violation of this policy or the codes of the jurisdiction of the event. Nothing in this policy is designed to infringe speech or conduct on public property. By registering for or attending this event, you agree that State Policy Network as well as its partners, affiliates, associates, contractors, and vendors assumes no liability for injury, damage or loss which may be related in any way to traveling to, attending, or traveling from this event, or with implementation of this policy.

Emails and Onsite Photography

By registering for and attending State Policy Network’s Annual Meeting, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their publication. Images, videos, and/or audio recording may be used to promote this event and similar SPN events in the future and highlight the network’s growth and impact. By registering, you also consent to receive important Annual Meeting news and reminders via email.

Recording

State Policy Network prohibits all unauthorized audio or video recording, image capture, or any form of transcription and transmission of event presentations and activities, including but not limited to statements by presenters, materials displayed or offered during presentations, and comments by event attendees captured without their express consent. SPN further reserves the right at its sole discretion to authorize select audio or video recording and/or transmission of the event, as well as the taking of photographs during the event. Anyone so authorized agrees to use any and all such recordings or images only with SPN’s written consent, and agrees further to make them available without charge to SPN for its unrestricted use. SPN will have anyone conducting unauthorized recording or photography removed from this event, and may pursue at its discretion all available criminal and civil remedies.

Packages

All packages, bags, and other containers are subject to search, and may be required to be stored during the event.

Hotel

Rates & Reservations

SPN has arranged room blocks at The Grand and Little America Hotels (adjacent properties) in Salt Lake City. The conference rates for each hotel are as follows:

The Little America Hotel

Indoor/outdoor pool

Children’s pool

Health club with sauna, whirlpool, and fitness center

Explore Salt Lake City

The Grand America and Little America are centrally located in downtown Salt Lake City. Within walking distance are several restaurants and local sites, including Temple Square. If you plan to explore Salt Lake City or the surrounding areas before or after Annual Meeting, the following resources can help you plan your trip:

Travel

Getting to Salt Lake City

The closest airport is Salt Lake International Airport. Flights to Salt Lake City are available from several major airlines, including Delta, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, American, and United. Estimated driving time to the conference hotels is 8-10 minutes.

Transportation

Uber or Lyft
$12 from the airport to downtown

Public TransportationAttendees may also opt to take the train from the airport to downtown. This option will drop you off in front of The Grand America.
$2.50 for one-way fareMore information

Shuttle ServicesGo here to see shuttle options available from the Salt Lake International Airport

Agenda

Sponsorship

As an SPN Annual Meeting sponsor, your organization will connect with 1,300 think tank leaders, network partners, and supporters representing hundreds of organizations and all 50 states. SPN offers several sponsorship opportunities to help your organization build awareness of its brand within the network, showcase its work, and forge new partnerships.

If you would like information on 2018 sponsorship opportunities, please contact Cindy Kilduff at kilduff@spn.org.

Exhibitors

SPN affiliates and associates are invited to participate as exhibitors at Annual Meeting. You must be an attendee of the meeting in order to exhibit. For more information about exhibitor opportunities at SPN’s Annual Meeting, please contact Cindy Kilduff at kilduff@spn.org.

Connections Lounge

The Connections Lounge is the location for the Opening Reception, afternoon networking breaks, and general networking/meeting space. This will be a high-traffic location for attendees’ participation in these planned events and for their networking activities.

Imperial Ballroom (18 booths available) – $3,000 each

Exhibitor Halls

Imperial Ballroom Reception Space (14 tables available) – $1,000 each

This portion of the Exhibitor Hall is located just outside the Connections Lounge, which is the location of several networking events throughout the week. Exhibitors in this space can expect traffic from attendees throughout the conference, but especially before and after scheduled networking events.

Limited number, available all week

Secure area, locked at the end of each day

Power option available (with direct bill to hotel)

Basic table covering and skirting provided

High visibility, high traffic

Recommended for groups planning to attend their tables during peak times

Grand Ballroom Reception Space (14 tables available) – $1,000 each

This portion of the Exhibitor Hall is located outside the Grand Ballroom, which is the location for plenary meals/sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Exhibitors in this space can expect attendee traffic before and after these plenary events.

Limited number, available all week

Secure area, locked at the end of each day

Power option available (with direct bill to hotel)

Basic table covering and skirting provided

High visibility, high traffic

Recommended for organizations who will not have a staffer attending the table

FAQs

How much does registration cost?

Ticket Type

Early Bird Rate

Full Rate

State Think Tank Affiliate Members

Special membership rate

Special membership rate

SPN Associate Members

Special membership rate

Special membership rate

General Registration

$1,000

$1,300

One-Day Pass (Tuesday)

$150

$150

One-Day Pass (Wednesday or Thursday)

$500

$500

One-Day Pass (Friday)

$100

$100

Onsite Registration

N/A

Full rate plus $50 fee

What important dates should I put on my calendar?

August 1

Early Bird pricing ends at 5:00 pm EST

September 3

Last day to request registration refunds or transfers (ends at 5:00 pm EST). See our registration policies for details.

September 7

Cutoff date for room reservations within SPN’s block.

October 9-12

26th SPN Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, UT

What is included in my registration?

All events, sessions, and meals listed in the agenda, except for any event listed as “invitation only.”

What is the conference dress code?

Business casual attire is appropriate during the day. We recommend bringing a sweater or jacket for the hotel and for cooler evenings. Attendees should also plan to bring appropriate clothing for any special activities, such as workout clothes for the 5K for Freedom and a swimsuit for the indoor pools.

How can I get a copy of the agenda?

An up-to-date agenda will be available here (under the “Agenda” tab). The full agenda with all session titles and descriptions will be published online this summer, and a printer-friendly option will be available for those wanting a hard copy. The Annual Meeting app will be available in late August/early September so that attendees can explore the agenda and build their customized schedules.

What is the registration cancellation policy?

State Think Tank Affiliates: Full refunds by September 5 at 5:00 pm EDT.

Associate Members: Full refunds less a $100 cancellation fee by September 5 at 5:00 pm EDT.

General Attendees: Full refunds less a $100 cancellation fee by September 8 at 5:00 pm EDT.

Will I be able to register onsite?

Yes, but you will pay the full ticket price plus a $50 onsite registration fee. We encourage attendees to register online, preferably by the Early Bird deadline of August 1, so that you can receive the best registration rate.

Are guests allowed to attend?

Unfortunately, personal guests are not permitted. All attendees must register for the meeting.

How do I get my registration confirmation email?

First, search your inbox or check your spam folder. We will send all registered attendees another copy of their confirmation email 6-8 weeks prior to the conference and again at 3-4 weeks prior to the conference. If you still cannot locate the email, please contact milhollin@spn.org to request a copy.

I see meals on the agenda. Are these included in my registration?

Yes, meals are included with your registration and are open to all attendees.

Where do I go when I arrive at the hotel?

After checking in to your room, come to registration (located at The Grand America Hotel) and pick up your badge and welcome bag. You’ll need your badge to get into all Annual Meeting activities. Be sure to have your photo I.D. with you when you pick it up.

What is the weather like in Salt Lake City in October?

Highs will be in the 60s. Evening temperatures can drop into the 40s.

What are the tracks?

Tracks are collections of breakout sessions and workshops for specific disciplines or topics. Attendees are not restricted to certain tracks. Unless noted as an “invitation only” event, sessions are open to all attendees.

How do I choose the best track or sessions for me?

Attendees can attend any track regardless of their current role. This is part of what makes Annual Meeting such a unique and rich learning opportunity. It’s a great time to explore topics that align with your career aspirations or interests—even if they don’t directly relate to you day-to-day job. We encourage attendees to try at least one session outside their current discipline.

The tracks are also designed to sharpen your skills in your current discipline if that is your professional goal. So, you can also choose to stick with one track throughout the entire conference and attend sessions on the areas you want to learn more about.

What do I do during a networking break?

SPN provides networking breaks and structured networking activities so that attendees can network without having to worry about missing any sessions. Networking breaks are a good time to tour the Exhibitor Hall or stop by the Connections Lounge.

Bob Williams Awards

The Bob Williams Awards for Outstanding Policy Achievement celebrate state think tanks doing exceptional work to develop and disseminate credible policy research and ideas that can help states implement free-market solutions that will have national impact. The awards are named in honor of our network’s most iconic policy maven and a friend to many, Bob Williams. The awards will be presented at the SPN 26th Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Nominations are now open. SPN members are invited to nominate themselves (if employed at a state think tank) or a state think tank colleague in one or more of the categories below. Nominations close on June 29, 2018.

Categories for the Bob Williams Awards for Outstanding Policy Achievement

Best Issue Campaign

Recognizes the organization that ran the highest quality issue education campaign. Submissions will be judged based on measures of execution not necessarily if a win was ultimately achieved. Measure of execution include strategic thinking, exemplary use of outreach tactics, ability to reach target audiences, and team alignment.

Most Influential Research

Recognizes the organization whose original research achieved a high level of influence in academia, media, or policy-making arenas. Submissions should describe one piece of research which is either a single publication or a closely related series of research publications (for example, one white paper, a collection of essays on a single topic, or a book). Submissions should also include information about the impact that the research publication made and clearly communicate the measured outcomes and results.

Biggest Win

Recognizes the organization whose effort was instrumental toward securing a significant policy victory this year. Wins can be one state or a multi-state effort; offense or defense; state or national. Submissions will be judged on the significance of the victory and how important the organization’s contribution was to the victory.

Criteria for Nominees

Leadership resulted in a victory that reduced the size or scope of government and made a difference for freedom.

The policy victory can serve as inspiration to other freedom champions and be replicated in other areas of the country.

Submissions may be based on an effort completed after January 1, 2017, to present day.

Organizations and individuals may submit multiple applications. Each application should focus on a single effort (one policy idea, one publication or closely related series of research, and one issue campaign).

Help Choose the Winners

SPN’s Award Committee will determine the top three finalists in each category. From July 23 to August 3, the network will have a chance to vote on which finalists should win in each category. These votes will be taken into consideration as the Award Committee decides the winners.

Important Dates

June 29: Nominations close

July 23: Network voting for category winners will open online

August 3: Network voting for category winners will close

October 11: Presentation of the Bob Williams Awards at the SPN 26th Annual Meeting

About Bob Williams

Bob is the founder of the Washington Freedom Foundation and is a nationally recognized expert in the areas of fiscal and tax policies, election reform, and disaster preparedness. Bob is currently the Director of State Budget Solutions a project of the American Legislative Exchange Council.

Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Penn State and was a Certified Public Accountant. In that capacity, he served as an auditor at the Pentagon and Post Office for the U.S. Government Accountability Office. He served five terms in the Washington State Legislature and was the 1988 Republican nominee for governor of Washington State.